When to Plant Komatsuna in Fraser-Fort George, BC
Komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) is a versatile Asian green with glossy, dark leaves and a mild, sweet flavor. It is extremely cold-hardy and heat-tolerant.
Fraser-Fort George, British Columbia is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 1,886 feet, Fraser-Fort George receives approximately 42.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly podzolic loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Komatsuna to ensure they mature before fall.
Fraser-Fort George Soil Profile
Soil Type
Podzolic Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
How to Plant Komatsuna
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Komatsuna
Komatsuna needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Komatsuna Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.6" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Fraser-Fort George). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Komatsuna Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Komatsuna Planting Timeline — Fraser-Fort George, BC
Komatsuna Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Jul 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
160 days in Fraser-Fort George
Growing Tips for Komatsuna in Fraser-Fort George
Your generous 160.0-day season in Fraser-Fort George allows multiple plantings of Komatsuna. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.
Common pests for Komatsuna in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Direct sow in spring or fall. One of the most forgiving Asian greens for all seasons. Harvest outer leaves or cut whole plants. Excellent for stir-fries, soups, or salads.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Komatsuna in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Komatsuna in Fraser-Fort George, BC?
Fraser-Fort George is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Komatsuna planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Fraser-Fort George, BC?
Fraser-Fort George, British Columbia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 17.
Your Fraser-Fort George Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Fraser-Fort George (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.